Things I like Thursday Mar 29

Greetings!

It's been a crazy week. I don't know where the week went.  I spent the weekend catching up on house chores after being gone all week to grandson's house. Then Monday I tried to finish some blocks for my newest donation quilt made from 30's prints.  Tuesday was the doctor visit of results of my brother's prostate biopsy (ok for now) which took 3 hours counting travel time when it's only 8 miles from our home and Wednesday to my new sewing group. Whew. I need a nap.

But, I do have some "likes" for this week:

1. My new sewing group which meets on Wednesdays. As mentioned above, I found a sewing group at the local library on Wednesdays.  It is only 1 mile from my home, the ladies meet from approximately 9:30 A.M. -1 PM. I can work on anything I desire-sewing, knitting, embroidery, etc.
There are sewing machines, notions, fabric scraps, tools, cutting boards, iron, all for anyone's use. Except for using their sewing machine and iron, I'll bring my own "stuff".  It will be wonderful to not lift my machine several times in one day while my back has been acting up and a pulled muscle in my forearm. It's  a pretty and big room-all in the library. No classes, expectations- just a social time. And, free. And, the librarians are also crafters.
I've met some nice ladies and hope this is just what I've been needing, but not aware of until I found it by accident. Life is crazy.

2. Thirty's Print blocks. 

I had some very light 30's prints and made some 16 square blocks, 4 squares with background squares and put them on the design wall . It was so boring.  So then I added some other pinks, blues, purples and now it's better. I wanted something quiet, not loud so I hope this is a good compromise.

3. My new pants project. I wanted to see if I could make 100% cotton pants for the summer.  Many (40) years ago I made my own clothes but I now don't enjoy it as much as quilting. But, I've shopped in the stores for pants and can't find what I need:

Yes, hot wheel cars AND fidget spinners  make great paper weights. This pattern makes elastic waste with pockets, loose pants.  I chose a gray/white striped cotton fabric, so we'll see.  It took me an hour just to cut out the pattern pieces! I can hardly use a pair of scissors in this manner after using a rotary cutter for 5 years. And, the tissue paper is so thin. But, I figure if they don't look super cool when I'm done, they'll be good for p.j.'s.

4. The Blue Angels. There is an air force base about 5-10 miles from my home. It had an air show, but unfortunately, I couldn't attend.  Love those shows.
So, I was sewing in my bedroom and the engines were getting louder so I looked out my patio and this is what I saw and was able to get on my iphone VERY quickly:

I was like a little kid running back and forth from the front yard to the back for half an hour.  Those pilots are just so talented. I hope you can see just how close that one group of jets are to each other.

5. Cleaning out my clothes closet.  I know, pitiful. But, for me being organized rests my soul.  For many years I've changed out my clothes twice a year-spring vs fall.
Last year,  I decided to just leave everything hanging up in the closet because I just didn't want to pack away the winter clothes.
It's not like I have hundreds of clothes, but I have not liked  having to move things around that I won't wear for at least 6 months so I can get to what I need. So, this week I packed away the winter clothes and I'm so glad I did.  It's also a good time to pack up items I no longer wear to take out for donation. I'm much happier now when I open the closet. It's the little things.

6. PBS' "Call the Midwife". I know, I'm late to the party on this one.  There was literally nothing on tv the other night so I  decided to try watching this show because PBS has such great shows.  I loved it ! I didn't know it took place in the 60's which I can identify with. I was a teenager then. Now, I have to catch up on previous seasons.

Well, time to start getting chores done for the day  but hope everyone has a blessed holiday week.  Please join us at Lee Anna's post:Not Afraid of Color for other "likes".

Thanks for dropping by.  I love seeing your comments!
mary

An historic day, March 24, 2018

Greetings

I try to keep this post's writings  about my varied interests-quilting, sewing, cooking or gardening among life's other pleasures.  But, I cannot ignore the historic day yesterday thanks to the March of Our Lives.
100's of thousands marched in DC alone to support the teenagers who survived the MSD shooting on Valentine's Day.

Millions marched all over  the world unified in their message to bring about change due to gun violence. There were 800 marches! (Even in the Antarctica).  Approximately 15,000 marched here in Phoenix which is the capitol of a gun toting population.  I am not proud of Arizona's wild west attitude to guns but was pleased some people marched in support of change.

(Before my family member was murdered from gun violence in the 90's, I never gave a thought to guns.  Needless to say, I was affected by gun violence).

There was an amazing turn out and there were many young speakers  at  the D.C. march,  but I was totally blown away by an 11 year old named Naomi Wadler from Alexandria, VA. She is 11 years old but spoke more eloquently than most adults I've heard speak.:

"My friends and I might still be 11, we might still be in elementary school, but we know," she added. "We know life isn't equal for everyone and we know what is right and wrong. We also know that we stand in the shadow of the Capitol and we know that we have seven short years until we, too, have the right to vote."

There were millions of signs, of course, but one really struck me: "Eighteenth century law can't regulate 21st century weapons".

I know some of you may not agree with the idea of stronger gun control but many of us feel our society is really in trouble and going in the wrong direction of violence.

I hope these young people feel we have listened to them and the lawmakers pay attention.

I'm off my soapbox now.

Have a wonderful day.
mary

Things I like Thursday 3-22

Greetings!

I'm posting this ahead of Thursday, so bear with me. This is Spring break for Thomas,  so I won't be home all week but will be playing with him at his house. Yay!

Here are my likes for this week:

1. Family time with my kids. Here are my daughter (on left) and daughter in law making pizza. They are 2 days apart in age! They even went to the same high school but didn't know each other! Don't they look like sisters? So  funny. love them both:

They are just too cute.

Here I am with my son :

He is such a tall dude-takes after my brothers. And, he is such a compassionate nice person.

As you can see, I'm very proud of my kids and love spending time with them.

2. Decorating with vignettes around the house for Easter. Here's "Peter Rabbit":

And, "Kisses":

My favorite-"mama and babies":

I've had these for years and think they were all purchased at Tuesday Morning.
They all say HAPPY SPRING!

3. Kohl's Cash. Just sayin. I needed to buy my brother shoes for spring/summer and got some Kohl's cash.  Now I "have" to go back and buy stuff. I don't "shop" nearly as much since I retired so this is a treat.

4. Another new blog I captured: karensquilting.com.  I identified with her comments on shopping through messy sales racks-especially "clearance'.  I just avoid those because it actually hurts my hands and arms to fight with those hangers. I like organized, roomy clothes racks and aisles.

5. This laser- cut applique kit from Connecting Threads:

This was designed by Holi Ganesha and is just stunning. I believe the pieces are all cut and backed with adhesive interfacing which are applied to a background per instructions and a template. . Genius.
 Maybe someday I'll splurge on that kit. This would be a timeless addition to a quilt collection.

Hope everyone has a great week and thanks for stopping by! Please join us at Lee Anna's blog for more "likes":Not Afraid of Color
mary

I like Thursdays Mar 15

Greetings!

What a busy, crazy week. I planted, sewed, cooked, cleaned, entertained my pumpkin,  and kept doctor appointments for my brother.

So, here's my list of likes for this week:

1. New seed packets from the nursery which are organic.

We have Snow Peas for snacks which I've never planted before and then Little Finger carrots that Thomas planted himself on Sunday.

I purchased a mini lattice for the Snow Peas because they are a vine. I thought that lattice was so cute.  I planted the seeds pretty shallow then covered them with saran wrap to keep the area moist and set the pots in the full sun.  The carrot seeds were so tiny but Thomas handled them very  gently as well as  watering the first batch.  He is so adapt at using his one hand. He has cerebal palsy, had a stroke at 2 weeks and other ailments but uses one hand to navigate life. It's the little things that make us happy.  Many years ago he planted carrots in a pot and was so surprised when we had a harvest.

I check both pots everyday to make sure they stay damp.  We have only a 3 month growing season at best so I had to work quickly.

2. Heirloom Tomatoes. Here is my newest plant:

Last year my Roma tomato plant did not do well so I'm trying a new kind. We'll see.

3. Shamrocks. Can you believe I've never seen a real shamrock plant before this new one I purchased?
I know. What a sheltered life. Gheeze.
 

It's the sweetest plant-fragile, little white flowers. love it. I'm keeping it indoors cause we're already in the 80's most days.

4. My new pink/gray  flannel kimono.  I see that kimonos are really popular in the store, but I needed a lightweight jacket for the mornings when I run to the store or library.  I didn't want a real jacket, just something to throw on.  So, I had this flannel in the stash (about 3 yards) that originally was to be made into pj's but never got around to it. I was nervous because I don't make garments much anymore!

It was not hard to make except the pattern was incorrect on the facing.  I've never had that happen before so I improvised to make the facing fit. I made the kimono shorter but it still covers my butt! I also shortened the sleeves. So, this is pretty custom after all.

Even though it's flannel, it's the perfect lightweight cover and does not match anything I wear! Oh well. It's french, pink and pretty. There's priorities.

Hope  you are all enjoying your day and thanks for stopping by to see my likes. Please join our group at Lee Anna's site Not Afraid of Color for more likes.

mary

HAPPY PI DAY

hee hee

i LIKE THURSDAYS MAR 8

Greetings!

Spring is in the air and I'm feeling better with a clean bunch of tests from the urologist. Thanks be to God.

So, on that note , here is my list of likes for this week:

1.  A new blog:multicoloredpieces by Nadia . I found it accidentally and just enjoyed her take on life. Hope you like it too. It's very different but this artist is so talented.

2. This Joyful poster from Laura at Decor to Adore. :

I just needed the pretty flowers with these particular reminders from Romans.

3. Keeping my wish to attend church more often. I find that just sitting there focusing on what is good and right with my world while I'm  thankful restores my soul. I don't know why I find myself so busy with other things on church day. . Granted, I usually have my grandson here at my home on the weekend, but I could go more when he's not here.  I'm human.

4. These photos taken with just my iphone while strolling through Rio Vista park :

The ducks are so sweet.

This  tree is already in full bloom.  I think it's a Palo Verde.

The Veterans Vietnam Memorial with an actual helicopter hanging in the air.  I saw some veterans  hangin out there and was pleased.

The city of Peoria gave our servicemen and women  a nice memorial.

I hope you enjoyed this glimpse of my life this past week.  I only sewed a little so hopefully I will accomplish more in that area this next week.  It's hard to stay inside and sew when it's in the 80's right now.  In another month or so it will be too hot for me to go outside. I can't believe it!

Please join us at Le Anna's site:Not Afraid of Color  for more likes from our fun group.
Have a blessed day.
mary